Practice Dates/Times/TV

Qualifying Information/Times/TV

Qualifying: 2 laps for positions 1-42, Friday, May 8 at 5:10pm/et, TV-SPEED, no scheduled re-air;
AND live via radio at MRN Radio and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio.

RACE RUNDOWNnews and links

Mark Martin wins at Darlington: #5-Mark Martin won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway for his 2nd win of 2009 and the 37th of his career. Martin wins his 2nd race after turning 50 years old, only the 2nd driver ever to have more then one win after turning 50 years of age. Harry Gant won 8 times after the age of 50 including at Darlington [age 51], so Martin is not the oldest driver to win a race at Darlington. #48-Jimmie Johnson finished 2nd, after starting 42nd in a backup car with no laps on it. #14-Tony Stewart finished 3rd, for his best ever finish at Darlington, followed by #39-Newman, #24-Gordon, #1-Truex Jr., #25-Keselowski, #16-Biffle, #20-Logano and #17-Kenseth [the pole sitter]. #33-Bowyer wrecked and his Did Not Finish streak of 83 falls one short of the all-time record that Harold Beam holds at 84. Stewart and #19-Sadler have the longest current consecutive DNF at 34 races. #78-Regan Smith is at 47 but has not run all the races and have never had a DNF. There were 17 cautions (a new track record) for 73 laps and 23 lead changes among 13 leaders.
For race results, awards and more on the Darlington Race Results Page.(5-9-2009)

Race Fast Facts - Darlington Raceway
Mark Martin won the Southern 500, his 37th victory in 733 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2009.
This is his second victory and 26th top-10 finish in 43 races at Darlington Raceway.
Jimmie Johnson (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 11 races at Darlington Raceway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2009.
Tony Stewart (third) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 17 races at Darlington Raceway.
Joey Logano (ninth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Jeff Gordon leads the point standings by 29 points over Tony Stewart.(NASCAR Statistics)(5-9-2009)

Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Charlotte [Coke 600]:
No teams jumped into the top 35, #34-Raines and #7-Gordon increased their leads over 36th
34) #7-Gordon/Robby Gordon: 847, +120
35) #34-Raines/Earnhardt Ganassi: 831, 104 points ahead of 36ththese teams/ drivers must qualify by speed but are close to the top-35:
36) #82-Speed/Red Bull: 727, 104 points out of 35th
37) #71-Gilliland/TRG: 674, -157
The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
For the owner points standings, see my Drivers/Owners Points Standings page.(5-9-2009)

NEWS, PRACTICE, QUALIFYING and RESULTSnews and links

Kenseth on pole at Darlington: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Coors Light Pole Award for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with a Track Record lap of 179.514mph for his 1st pole of 2009 and 4th of his career and first in 125 races, last pole was at Kansas in Oct 2005. The pole is the first for Ford of 2009. #24-Gordon will start 2nd, followed by #39-Newman, #77-Hornish Jr., #20-Logano, #31-Burton, #9-Kahne, #2-Busch, #99-Edwards and #47-Ambrose. #48-Jimmie Johnson wrecked on his first lap, will start 42nd [ties his worst starting spot, three other times] and have to run a backup car with no practice.
The non Top-35 drivers who made the race: #13-Papis, #78-Smith, #71-Gilliland, #25-Keselowski, #36-Riggs and #09-Marlin.
The two drivers who failed to qualify: #41-Mayfield and #82-Speed.
See qualifying results, pole progression and starting lineup on my Darlington Starting Lineup/Qulaifying Results page.(5-8-2009)

Qualifying Fast Facts - Darlington Raceway:
Matt Kenseth won the Coors Light Pole Award for the Southern 500 with a lap of 27.394 seconds, 179.514 mph -- a track qualifying record.
This is his fourth pole in 339 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and third top-10 start in 2009.
This is his first pole in 16 races at Darlington Raceway.
Jeff Gordon (second) posted his eighth top-10 start of 2009 and his 23rd in 29 races at Darlington Raceway.
Ryan Newman (third) posted his eighth top-10 start at Darlington Raceway. It is his fourth in 11 races this season.
Joey Logano (fifth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.(NASCAR Statistics)(5-8-2009)

Qualifying Order for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is posted. 45 cars/drivers are listed. Go-or-go homers will qualify at the end of the session, once the top-35 drivers are done. The first of the top-35 drivers scheduled to go out is #26-McMurray, the final top-35 driver scheduled to go out is #96-Labonte. The first go-or-go homer scheduled to qualify [36th] is #36-Riggs and the final driver scheduled to qualify is #78-Smith. See the full qualifying order on the Darlington Qualifying Page.(5-8-2009)

Happy Hour practice for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is over, the top five:
#24-Gordon 177.633
#31-Burton 177.608
#48-Johnson 177.441
#11-Hamlin 177.371
#5-Martin 177.319
slowest: #43-Sorenson 170.342 and #55-Waltrip 170.543
incidents: #77-Hornish Jr. spun off turn 4, no damage. #33-Bowyer, #11-Hamlin, #13-Papis, #16-Biffle, #44-Allmendinger, #47-Ambrose, #96-Labonte are among the drivers to scrape the wall. #12-Stremme and slapped the wall and will go to a backup car. #43-Sorenson's team is changing engines. #47-Ambrose slapped the wall and may go to a backup car.
See best speeds, average speeds, laps run, see my Darlington Practice Speeds page.(5-8-2009)

Friday's first practice for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is over, the top 5:
#83-Vickers 174.167
#16-Biffle 174.117
#71-Gilliland 174.037
#99-Edwards 173.264
#12-Stremme 173.216
slowest: #13-Papis 168.949 and #55-Waltrip 169.007
no speed: #66-Blaney
incidents: there has been a bunch. Just into practice, #2-Busch lost it off a turn and clipped the wall with the right rear and spun around. #14-Stewart, #77-Hornish Jr., #55-Waltrip, #25-Keselowski, #12-Stremme, #9-Kahne and #41-Mayfield were among the drivers who slid up in a turn and pancaked the sides of their cars.
#82-Speed wrecked and backed into the fence and the team will go to a backup car and also put a Darlington stripe on the backup car. #00-Reutimann spun and hit the inside wall near the entrace of pit road and will go to a backup. #66-Blaney spun off turn 4 on his first lap on the track.
Happy Hour practice comes up from 1:30-3:00pm/et and qualifying is scheduled for 5:10pm/et.
See best speeds, average speeds, laps run, see my Darlington Practice Speeds page.(5-8-2009)

Top-35 in Owner Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Darlington:
No teams jumped into the top 35, #7-Gordon moved up to 34th and the #34 team dropped to 35th
33) #98-Menard/Yates: 839, +140
35) #7-Gordon/Robby Gordon: 768, +69
34) #34-Andretti/Earnhart Ganassi: 743, 44 points ahead of 36ththese teams/ drivers must qualify by speed but are close to the top-35:
36) #82-Speed/Red Bull: 699, 44 points out of 35th
37) #71-Gilliland/TRG: 640, -103
The teams are NOT locked in past the next race as the owners points change after each race.
For the owner points standings, see my Drivers/Owners Points Standings page.(5-2-2009)

What happens if qualifying gets rained out?After the 5th race of the season, the current season OWNERS points are used:
#1) - First 35 by current Owner Points [position 1-35][top 35 teams do NOT need to attempt ALL the races]
#2) - Last Years Sprint Cup Champ or the Event Champion if not already in the field
#3) - Car Owners whose team has won in the previous and current season not already in the field
#4) - Drivers who have won in the previous and current season not already in the field
#5) - ALL Past Sprint Cup Champions not in by 1 thru 4 [is NOT charged against the 6 past champ provisionals]
#6) - Qualifying Attempts [not starts] with Owners points as the tie breaker, if still tied then by best finish
#7) - Qualifying Order Position
(all above apply as long as the team was entered by the entry deadline - usually 7-13 days before the race)

Single File Restarts with 20 laps to go: NASCAR will use single-file lineups for restarts with 20 laps remaining in all three national series this year, NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said today. The previous rule called for single-file restarts with only 10 laps remaining. All other restarts had lapped cars on the inside lane. NASCAR is still allowing for the first driver one-lap down [Lucky Dog] to get back on the lead lap until there are 10 laps left in the race. Pemberton said the rule was to allow the leaders more room to race following a caution in the waning laps. “We’ve been talking to the crews, teams and drivers and we felt like it was a time to make a change,” Pemberton said. “We haven’t taken away the lucky dog and haven’t hurt anybody from getting a lap back.”(SceneDaily)(2-12-2009) Comment here

Go or Go Home Drivers to Qualify Together: NASCAR announced in January that starting with the Cup race at California, teams outside the top 35 in owners points will be allowed to qualify together at the end of the qualifying session. The Nationwide and Truck Series used this procedure at Daytona. Sprint Cup didn't use the new procedure at Daytona due to the unique/somewhat complicated qualifying session/races there. The thought is that nobody would have an advantage in track conditions.

How to Calculate Track Speeds: use the formula Speed = Distance divided by Time. Distance is Track Length, and Lap Time into Hours. Once hour is 3600 seconds, so the calculation for a 48 second lap at Daytona(2.5 miles) would be: Speed = 2.5 x (3600/48), = 2.5 x 75 = 187.500mph. For a 19 second lap at Bristol(.533 miles): Speed = .533 x (3600/19), = .533 x 189.474 = a speed of 100.990mph

How to break a tie during qualifying? (same speed/time) When drivers are tied for a starting spot during qualifying, it is broken by owners points standings(not drivers).

Determining Race Line-Ups - Top 35 Guarantee: At the start of the 2005 season, NASCAR instituted a new procedure for establishing the starting race field in the Sprint Cup Series [NSCS]. NASCAR revamped the system by simplifying the procedure with teams no longer accruing provisionals throughout the season to gain entry into the starting fields. While starting positions one through 42 in the NSCS still will be determined by qualifying speed, the new system will assure the highest-ranked 35 positions of the NSCS OWNER [not Driver] championship points that have entered the event prior to the entry deadline [usually 13 days before the day of the race] one of those starting positions in the field, providing they have made an attempt to qualify [which usually means the team at least practiced and made an effort to qualify].
The remaining seven positions [36-42] will be assigned to those drivers with the fastest qualifying speeds whose car owners are not among the top 35. The final starting position [43rd] – the champion’s provisional – can be utilized by a car owner whose driver is a current or past Sprint Cup champion who participated as a driver during the current of previous season and was entered in the event for that owner in that car prior to the entry deadline.
If there is more than one series champion vying for the position, it will be given to the most recent series champion. If the final provisional starting position – 43rd in the Sprint Cup – is not filled by a current or past series champion, it will be assigned to the next eligible car owner according to qualifying results.
Through the first five races of the season for the Sprint Cup, the top 35 in the NSCS of the previous owner championship points entered in the event prior to the entry deadline will be assured one of the 42 starting positions in the field, provided they have made an attempt to qualify. From the sixth race on, the current owner championship points will be used to determine the top 35 each race week. In the event that conditions prevent qualifying from being run, starting positions will be assigned according to the respective series’ current Rule Book.(NASCAR PR)Simple: so the field is set by speed to where the 7th fastest non-top 35 driver is on speed. The any drivers in the top 35 of OWNERS [not drivers points] are placed to the 42nd spot. The 43rd spot is used for the most recent past Sprint Cup champion NOT already in the field from being in the top-35 in owners points or one of the seven no top-35. If their is not past champ for the 43rd spot, it goes to the next fastest [8th fastest driver]

Past Champions Limited To 6 Provisional Berths in Sprint Cup: NASCAR announced an update to the past champion’s provisional rule in the Sprint Cup Series for 2007. Beginning this season, a past champion’s provisional may be used by an eligible driver a maximum of six times over the course of the season. In addition, a team with a past champion eligible driver may only use this provisional a maximum of six times during a season. Previously, there was no limit on usage of the past champion’s provisional over the course of the 36-race season. The provisional gives the eligible driver the 43rd and final starting position in the race field. "As NASCAR seeks to place more emphasis on competition, we have decided the time is right to limit the number of provisionals allowed,” said NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton. “We believe this revision brings the provisional policy in line with the continued growth of the sport.”(NASCAR PR)
This is only for a team/driver OUTSIDE the top-35 in owners points, drivers whose team is in the top-35 in owners points, would already be guaranteed in the field and not need the Past Champions Provisional.
See my 2009 Past Champions Provisional Page for more.

RACE RECORDS, NOTES, RULES and NEWS

Three Race Tracks Tony Stewart has never won a Cup race at: There are three current race tracks the Cup Series runs on that Tony Stewart has not won at [a Cup race]:
California 0 for 16 with a best finish of 4th in 1999 & 2001
Las Vegas 0 for 11 with a best finish of 2nd in 2000
Darlington 0 for 16 with a best finish of 4th in 2001 & 2002
Stewart has won at 19 of 23 tracks he has raced on, didn't win at Rockingham which is no longer active for Cup racing.(3-1-2009)

• 43 drivers have won races; 22 drivers have won more than once there.

• David Pearson leads all drivers with 10 victories, followed by Dale Earnhardt with nine.

• Jeff Gordon is third overall and leads all active drivers with seven victories.

• Hendrick Motorsports has won 12 races at Darlington, more than any other organization. He broke a tie with Junior Johnson when Jeff Gordon won there in 2007.

• 18 races at Darlington have been won from the pole, the most productive starting position.

• The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Darlington was 43rd, in the track’s inaugural race in 1950 by Johnny Mantz. That race had a 75-car field.

• Not only is Darlington the site of the oldest NASCAR race on asphalt, it is also the site of one of the closest race finishes in NASCAR history. Ricky Craven edged Kurt Busch by 0.002 seconds on March 16, 2003 – the smallest margin of victory since NASCAR instituted electronic timing in mid-1993.

Farm Insurance Bureau sponsor Hamlin at Darlington: For the first time since the 2005 Daytona 500 there will not be a FedEx car entered in this weekend’s Sprint Cup race. Farm Bureau Insurance takes over the FedEx as the primary sponsor of the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing entry this weekend at Darlington. FedEx will be represented on the C-post of the #11, as well as on Hamlin’s firesuit, this weekend and will be back on the car when the teams take to the track in Charlotte next week for the All Star Race.(FedEx Racing), see images of the scheme on my #11 Team Schemes page. Hamlin recently announced that the Short Track Showdown held on April 30, 2009 raised $100,000 for the Denny Hamlin Foundation. Proceeds from the event will be split between the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and St. Jude’s Hospital. The 175 lap race drew over 5,000 spectators to the track where Hamlin started his Late Model career. It featured Hamlin's Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, former teammate Tony Stewart, and spotter Curtis Markham.(5-8-2009)

MtnDew scheme for Dale Jr. at Darlington: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a special #88 Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevy this weekend at Darlington Raceway. The #88 machine will display on its hood the new Mountain Dew logo unveiled earlier this year. The car will be painted in a metallic silver, black and "Mountain Dew" green. Mountain Dew has been a part of the sport since 1981, when Darrell Waltrip won his first of two championships in the Dew car. Last year's paint scheme had an "old school" retro feel, and this weekend's car will have a "new school" look. AND Later this month, Earnhardt's #88 machine will have a different look at the May 16 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The 34-year-old driver chose white as the primary color for his Chevy, which will sport a paint scheme showcasing the Dale Jr. Foundation that weekend. Hendrick Motorsports' next top-five finish will be the organization's 700th in Sprint Cup competition. Since 1984, Hendrick drivers have scored 178 wins, 699 top-five finishes and 1,154 top-10s.(HMS PR), see images of the schemes on my #88 Team Schemes page.(5-6-2009)

Star Trek scheme back at Darlington: The #12 Dodge Charger of David Stremme will have a new look for the Saturday night race in Darlington. For the second consecutive week, the #12 Dodge Charger will sport a special paint scheme to help promote the theatrical release of “Star Trek.” The movie hit theaters nationwide yesterday. The #12 Penske Racing Star Trek Dodge team will use chassis PRS-610 during Saturday night’s 500-mile race at the famed Darlington Raceway. PRS-610 is a new car to the #12 Penske Dodge Charger team.(Penske Racing PR), see images of the scheme on my #12 Team Schemes page.(5-6-2009)

Special scheme for #99 at Darlington: The #99 Aflac Ford of Carl Edwards will take on a different look at Darlington Raceway. The #99 Ford will sport a special paint scheme in support of Disney Pixar’s upcoming release, “Up”. “Up” is a comedy adventure about 78 year old balloon salesman Carl Fredrickson and his lifelong dream of taking a fantastic adventure.(Roush Racing PR)(5-5-2009) Comment here

Special scheme for Waltrip; to appear on 'My Name is Earl: The #55 Toyota Camry of Michael Waltrip will boast a new paint scheme at Richmond and Darlington. NAPA Adaptive One Brake Pads will be on the car. Adaptive One Brake Pads are designed to reduce noise and brake dust without sacrificing the ‘stop-on-a-dime’ braking power. During the month of May, NAPA is offering a great rebate on a four-wheel brake job using NAPA’s Adaptive One Brake Pads. For details, go to AdaptiveOne.com for all the rebate details.(MWR PR)(4-29-2009)

National Guard to sponsor Jeff Gordon? UPDATE 8 races: hearing that Jeff Gordon will be driving a National Guard scheme on the #24 Chevy in eight races in 2009, starting at Atlanta in March, have heard it will NOT effect the National Guard sponsorship of #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.(11-23-2008)
UPDATE: This season, Gordon and the #24 team will help bring awareness to the National Guard's community initiatives, such as the National Guard Youth Challenge, Active First, College First, Path to Honor and Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The programs will be showcased on the #24 DuPont/National Guard Chevy in eight races this season: March 8 at Atlanta; April 5 at Texas; May 9 at Darlington; June 14 at Michigan; July 11 at Chicagoland; Sept. 12 at Richmond; Sept. 20 at New Hampshire and Oct. 25 at Martinsville.(HMS PR), see images of the scheme on my #24 Team Schemes page.(1-21-2009) Comment here

MtnDew scheme for Dale Jr: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to run a MtnDew paint scheme at Darlington Raceway on May 9th. See an image on my #88 Team Schemes page.(1-20-2009)

Farm Bureau Insurance to sponsor JGR for 6 races: Joe Gibbs Racing announced that the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies will serve as the primary sponsor for six Sprint Cup Series races during the 2009 season. Farm Bureau Insurance will be carried on the #11 Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin twice during the upcoming season including the May 9 race at Darlington and the September 6 race at Atlanta. In addition Farm Bureau Insurance will be on the #20 Toyota driven by Joey Logano at the October 25 race at Martinsville. Both FedEx and The Home Depot will still be represented on their respective cars at each of those races. Farm Bureau Insurance will also sponsor a fourth JGR entry at three races in 2009 on the #02 Toyota at the October 17 Charlotte race, the November 8 Texas race and the November 22 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finale at Homestead. The driver for those three races will be announced later. “Farm Bureau Insurance has been an outstanding partner with us and we’re thrilled to have them on these six Cup races this year,” said Joe Gibbs Racing President J.D. Gibbs. “We were able to generate a lot of excitement for them last year and we’ll work hard this year to provide their agents, members and customers a program to be proud of now in our Cup program.”(JGR PR)IMAGES: see images of the cars on my #02 Team Schemes page, #11 Team Schemes page and/or #20 Team Schemes page.(1-19-2009) Comment here

Bush's Baked Beans to sponsor Ambrose: JTG Daugherty Racing announced a 2009 Sprint Cup sponsorship agreement with Bush Brother’s and Company. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company will enter its 7th season as a partner. For the first time, Bush’s Baked Beans will serve as a primary sponsor in the Sprint Cup Series for Marcos Ambrose’s #47 Toyota in Richmond (5/2) and Darlington (5/9). The brand will also serve as a major associate sponsor for 10 events next season. Jay Bush, Brand Ambassador and star of the brand’s advertising campaign added, “Duke and I are really excited about our partnership with Marcos Ambrose and JTG Daugherty Racing. They are a great team, and have represented our brand very well in the past. We are excited about continuing our relationship in the Sprint Cup Series. If I can just keep Duke from selling Marcos the Secret Family Recipe, we're in for a great season.(JTG Racing PR)(11-16-2008) Comment here

BB&T to sponsor #33 & Bowyer for eleven 2009 races: BB&T Corporation and Richard Childress Racing have agreed to an 11-race sponsorship for RCR’s #33 Chevy with driver Clint Bowyer for the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season. In addition to 10 points races, BB&T will also be the primary sponsor on Bowyer’s #33 Chevy for the annual Sprint Cup Series all-star race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May. The March 8 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway will mark the first of three consecutive races for BB&T, followed by four in a row starting at Talladega in April and wrapping up with the all-star festivities in Charlotte. In September, BB&T will be showcased again in Atlanta and at Dover for the first of three Chase for the Sprint Cup races. Bowyer’s #33 Impala SS will also feature a burgundy and gold BB&T paint scheme at Martinsville and Talladega next fall. BB&T will serve as a major associate sponsor of the #33 Chevy for the remaining 26 races on the 2009 schedule while General Mills’ brands Cheerios and Hamburger Helper will be the primary sponsor. Next season will mark the second-consecutive year that BB&T has expanded its role within the RCR family of sponsors. In 2007, BB&T sponsored a partial Nationwide Series schedule with Bowyer in RCR’s flagship #2 Chevrolet. That role evolved into a 25-race schedule in 2008, in addition to two races on the #07 Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series.(RCR PR)(11-12-2008) Comment here

What is a "Darlington stripe" Slang term for the black marks resulting from scrapes with the wall at the 1.366-mile track where the high lane is the fastest. Might be called the "SAFER stripe" this weekend after the addition of the energy-absorbing barriers

Darlington has about 5,000 tickets left: It could take nice weather and motivated NASCAR fans to continue a string of sellouts at Darlington. Darlington Raceway spokesman Jake Harris said in an e-mail Thursday there were fewer than 5,000 seats available for Saturday night's Southern 500. Darlington leaders are hopeful they can sell out their fifth straight Mother's Day weekend race. Darlington seats about 62,000. The track had gone several races without selling out until 2005, when it first began holding a Saturday race under its newly installed lights. Darlington has sold out each season since. In January, Darlington officials cut prices on some tickets by $10. The track also recently announced price cuts at concessions for the upcoming race.(Associated Press)(5-8-2009)

Darlington hoping for another sellout: Several times a day, Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning walks over to the track's ticket office to get a progress report on sales. Recently, he's liked what he's seen. Even so, a fifth consecutive sellout for the historic facility is far from certain as Darlington gears up for Saturday night's revival of the Southern 500. "We're slightly behind where we were this point last year. If we sell it out, it's going to come down to the wire," Browning said Monday. "We're still optimistic we've got a shot at it. We had a great week last week. About the last probably two and half, three weeks, our daily sales have beaten the daily sales of the previous year. That's all positive." Darlington has sold out four consecutive races since its lone event was moved to the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend prior to the 2005 season. This year the track is bringing back a Southern 500 race name that was a fixture at the South Carolina facility from its founding in 1950 until 2004, when it was phased out. With a seating capacity of roughly 62,000, Darlington is one of the smaller facilities on the Cup Series tour. Yet the track is bidding to become only the third venue this season -- along with Daytona and Bristol -- to announce a sellout. In past years, Darlington sold out a week or more in advance. That was before the current economic recession, which has made it very difficult for many tracks to sell tickets. "We have a shot at it, but everything's going to have to line up perfectly for us to do it. But we still do have a shot at it," Browning said. "I know that if we sell it out, it will probably end up being on race day."(NASCAR.com)(5-6-2009)

Darlington welcomes Car Hauler Parade: The Darlington Car Hauler Parade and Festival will be 4 to 7:30pm Thursday, May 7th at the Florence [SC] Civic Center with entertainment and live music performed by Southern rock and country band Southern Blue. NASCAR transporters and take pictures next to your favorite team’s haulers. Meet the hauler drivers and get autographs plus free give-a-ways from vendors. Kids can enjoy the multiple inflatable rides and games throughout the fun-filled festival. Fans, join in on the exciting Silent Auction full of great NASCAR items and more to benefit the American Red Cross. At 7pm the parade of Sprint Cup Series haulers begins to make its way along the 12-mile route to Darlington Square, where the anticipating crowd celebrates with added live entertainment and the fireworks of Race Fest. Florence welcomes NASCAR to the Darlington Race track that’s “Too Tough to Tame” for the Mother’s Day weekend races.(Florence Civic Center)(5-6-2009)

Darlington lowers concession prices: In an effort to reduce costs for fans attending the 2009 Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com Darlington Raceway and Americrown, the track’s concessionaire, have reduced prices on some food and beverage items and added value meals to the menu. Highlights of the new menu include:
· Reduced price on regular all-beef hot dog to $3, a 25% savings
· Hot dog and fry combo meal for $5 – a $2 savings
· Cheeseburger and fry combo meal for $7 – a $2 savings
· Kids Value Meal with peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cookie, fruit roll-up and half pint of milk for $4
· Reduced price on Dasani bottled water to $3, a 25% savings
In addition to the reduced prices fans will also notice two new signature Darlington items on the menu, the Darlington Super Slaw Dog and the Carolina Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich with Coleslaw. Priced at $5, the Darlington Super Slaw Dog is 1/3 pound, all beef hot dog served with coleslaw and other hot dog condiments. Also new for 2009 in the Carolina pulled pork BBQ sandwich with coleslaw served on a Kaiser roll with a choice of mustard style BBQ, vinegar style BBQ or Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ and is priced at $6.
Be a part of history when Darlington Raceway celebrates 60 years of racing in 2009. Tickets to the 2009 Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 are on-sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(5-4-2009)

Yarborough to serve as Darlington Pace Car Driver: As part of the celebration of 60 Years of Racing at Darlington Raceway, Cale Yarborough will serve as the honorary pace car driver to start the 2009 Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com announced track President Chris Browning. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Cale pace the field for the Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com,” said Browning. “Cale’s record of five Southern 500 wins makes him the perfect candidate to pace the field for the return of the Southern 500.” Yarborough, a native of nearby Timmonsville, S.C., is tied with Jeff Gordon for the most wins in the Southern 500 with five. In addition to Cale Yarborough several other former Darlington Raceway winners will be honored during pre-race ceremonies prior to the Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com. All-time Darlington victory leader David Pearson, Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett, Buddy Baker and Sterling Marlin will also be honored along with all active Darlington winners. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-25-2009)

Darlington walls go retro for Southern 500: When spectators and competitors arrive at Darlington Raceway for the May 9th Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com everyone will notice one distinct difference – red and white retaining walls surrounding the track “Too Tough to Tame.” “Giving the most famous walls on the NASCAR circuit a retro facelift seemed very fitting as part of our 60th celebration,” said track President, Chris Browning. “This is the first time since 1989 that the walls have been painted anything but white and it certainly reminds me of the early days of NASCAR racing.” The walls are painted in 40-foot sections alternating red and white and took nearly 50 hours and 315 gallons of paint to complete. In addition to the red and white paint scheme, a retro font was used for the Darlington Raceway signage at the start/finish line. Tickets to the 2009 Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 are on-sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-20-2009)

Darlington Raceway Tix Office Extends Hours: In an effort to make it easier for race fans to purchase tickets the Darlington Raceway ticket office will now be open every Saturday and Sunday through the Southern 500 on May 9 track President Chris Browning announced today. In addition to the normal operating hours of 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday the ticket office will now be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. “We know it can be tough for our fans to get out of work and get to the ticket office by 5:00 p.m. on weekdays,” said Browning. “Opening on the weekends and extending our hours during the week is something we wanted to do to make it easier for our fans to purchase tickets.” Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-18-2009)

Darlington Unveils Johnny Mantz Trophy: The winner of the 2009 Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com will be the recipient of a very special piece of hardware - the Johnny Mantz Southern 500 trophy. Named after Inaugural Southern 500 winner Johnny Mantz, the new trophy replaces the crystal palmetto tree that was used since Darlington began running on Mother's Day weekend in 2005. The four-tiered trophy stands approximately three feet tall, weighs nearly 40 pounds and features engraved photos of all 43 past Darlington Raceway winners. Longtime Darlington Raceway ticket holder, Kent Lewis, came up with the design concept for the trophy. The trophy was created by American Trophy in Florence, S.C. and following the 2009 Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com will be placed in the Darlington Raceway Museum year-round for fans to view.(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-16-2009)

GoDaddy.com to be presenting sponsor of Southern 500: GoDaddy.com, the world's dominant Web hosting domain registrar, has signed on to become the presenting sponsor of the 2009 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, track president Chris Browning announced. The Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com will be run on May 9, 2009. Be a part of history when Darlington Raceway celebrates 60 years of racing in 2009. Tickets to the 2009 Southern 500® presented by GoDaddy.com, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 are on-sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-13-2009)

Pre-Race Concert at Darlington: Fans attending the 2009 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway are in for an extra special treat this year. As part of the celebration of 60 Years of Racing at Darlington Raceway Vault will be hosting an exclusive pre-race concert by Mercury Nashville Recording artist Billy Currington on the frontstretch during the 2009 Southern 500 pre-race show. In addition to a pre-race concert, Currington will also perform the National Anthem prior to the Southern 500. Be a part of history when Darlington Raceway celebrates 60 years of racing in 2009. Tickets to the 2009 Southern 500, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 are on-sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway)(4-7-2009)

South Carolina declares Darlington Raceway Week: The week of the Southern 500 will take on an even more important meaning in 2009. The South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives passed a Concurrent Resolution declaring race week Darlington Raceway Week in South Carolina, a week “Too Tough to Tame.” Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning took part in the announcement at the State House. In addition to the announcement of the Concurrent Resolution, Darlington Raceway officials also unveiled the findings of a recently completed economic impact study conducted by Washington Economics Group, Inc. Darlington Raceway or the track “Too Tough to Tame” as it is known to many, is where the purest of NASCAR competition meets true southern hospitality. A NASCAR staple since 1950, Darlington Raceway has seen some of motorsports most talented drivers thunder to Victory Lane. In 2009 a NASCAR tradition, the Southern 500, will return as Darlington Raceway celebrates 60 Seasons of Racing. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-1-2009)

Darlington Raceway generates #54 million for area: A study by the Washington Economics Group, Inc. has found that Darlington Raceway generates an annual economic benefit of $54 million for the Pee Dee region and state of South Carolina, including the creation of 874 jobs in the region. The economic impact study was conducted over a period of several months and utilized the IMPLAN model, which quantifies the direct and indirect benefits of economic activity. In addition to identifying the total economic impact of $54 million, the study also found that:
· NASCAR events and other activities throughout the year at Darlington Raceway result in $19 million of labor income for workers throughout South Carolina annually, benefiting workers in all sectors of the state’s economy.
· These activities are also an important source of fiscal revenues. Each year these activities produce over $7.9 million for federal, state and local governments. Of this total, $3.4 million flow directly to state and local governments.
· Year round track operations contribute $30 million annually toward South Carolina’s gross state product. Referred to by economists as “value added,” this is the portion of business revenues that provides compensation to workers and capital income. Value added is also the principle source of income to households and a key measure of Darlington Raceway’s ongoing contributions to the South Carolina economy. Darlington Raceway hosts two major NASCAR races a year, the Southern 500 and the Diamond Hill Plywood 200. Additionally, the track “Too Tough to Tame” also hosts the Darlington Historic Racing Festival each September celebrating the history of oval track racing. During the 2008 Southern 500, Darlington Raceway hosted fans from all 50 states and more than 7 different countries.(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-30-2009)

All You Can Eat Tix Package returns at Darlington: The immensely popular all-you-can-eat Colvin Grill ticket package will return for the 2009 Southern 500. Ticket packages start at $50 and can be purchased by calling 1-866-459-RACE or logging onto DarlingtonRaceway.com. Each package includes seating in the Colvin grandstand and unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks in the Colvin Grill. “The Colvin Grill all-you-can-eat ticket package was a tremendous success in 2008,” said Browning. “This ticket package is a way to reward our loyal fans with a low cost option to attend the 2009 Southern 500 during our 60th Season of Racing.” Additionally, fans who have already purchased tickets for the 2009 Southern 500 or plan to purchase tickets in a grandstand other than Colvin may add the all-you-can-eat package to their existing ticket for only $15 per person. Each fan who takes advantage of this unique offer will receive a special wristband valid for admission to the Colvin Grill adjacent to the Colvin grandstand outside of turn 2 at Darlington Raceway. The grill will open at 5:00 p.m. on May 9th and will close at 7:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to act quickly as only a limited number of Colvin Grill ticket packages are available. Be a part of history when Darlington Raceway celebrates 60 years of racing in 2009. Tickets to the 2009 Southern 500, as well as the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 are on-sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-10-2009)

Darlington Historic Racing Festival Returns: After a successful Inaugural event, the Darlington Historic Racing Festival is set to return in 2009, announced Darlington Raceway President, Chris Browning. The event will once again be run on a Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27. The event was moved from its original Labor Day weekend date to help accommodate more entries in 2009. The 2008 festival was highlighted with appearances by some of NASCAR’s all-time greats including: David Pearson, Junior Johnson, Darrell Waltrip, Buddy Baker, Bobby and Donnie Allison, Marvin Panch and many more. There was plenty for fans to see and do at the festival throughout the weekend. In addition to question and answer and autograph sessions with the NASCAR legends, over 125 cars were on display at the event with nearly 100 of the cars turning laps on the historic 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval. The two-day festival is slated to take place on September 26 and 27 with single day tickets available for $15 or two-day tickets for $25. Children 12 and under will once again be admitted for free. More info at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(1-29-2009)

Tix prices reduced for Southern 500 at Darlington: In an effort to help race fans during these difficult economic times, Darlington Raceway is reducing ticket prices on nearly 9,000 seats for the 2009 Southern 500, track president Chris Browning announced. All seats in rows 3-14 in the Colvin grandstand will now be only $35, a $10 discount off the original price. “We are celebrating a historic milestone in 2009 with the 60th Season of Racing at Darlington Raceway and we want to make sure that our fans can be here for this special event,” said Browning. “We recognize that economic times are tough for everyone right now and want to do our part to help reduce the cost of attending an event at Darlington Raceway.” Since moving to Mother’s Day weekend in 2005, Darlington Raceway has sold out four consecutive Sprint Cup Series events. To purchase tickets for the 2009 Southern 500 contact the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 843-395-8802 or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(1-8-2009)

Southern 500 returns to Darlington: Old and new traditions will unite during the 60th season of racing at Darlington Raceway when the Southern 500 name returns to the track "Too Tough to Tame" on Mother's Day weekend in 2009, track president Chris Browning announced today. In 2009 the annual Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway is sure to be an even bigger spectacle as the race will once again be known as the Southern 500. A track rich in tradition, Darlington Raceway ran the first Southern 500 on September 4, 1950. Californian Johnny Mantz drove to victory that day after starting in the back of a 75-car field. The tradition continued for 54 years with Jimmie Johnson winning the last Southern 500 in 2004. Beginning in 2005 a new tradition began at Darlington Raceway: Saturday night racing on Mother's Day weekend. Fans have turned out in full force to see the stars of NASCAR dance with the "Lady in Black" under the
lights. The event has quickly become one of the most difficult tickets to get on the NASCAR schedule and has sold out for four consecutive years. Ticket renewal orders are being accepted now for fans that purchased tickets to the Sprint Cup Series event in 2008 more info at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-14-2008)

Notes: Teams in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will run the same tire codes at Darlington this week . . . this will be the same right-side code (D-4130) that teams in these two series ran at Darlington last season, but it is paired with a different left-side code (D-4152) . . . this year's left-side has a softer compound than the one run at Darlington last year and will give the cars more grip . . . this set-up came out of a Goodyear tire test at Darlington on March 10-11 . . . participating in that test were Denny Hamlin (Toyota), Kevin Harvick (Chevrolet), Bobby Labonte (Ford) and Elliott Sadler (Dodge) . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Darlington . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.

DRIVER/TEAM/TESTING NEWS

See the 2009 Team Chart, which has links to past news for each team and info on each team.